John

Most of us like to run into old friends. I know I do. But yesterday, although it was good seeing people I had met over a year ago, it wrecked me knowing their situation has not changed. Probably even has become worse.

In November of 2008 I was just starting InvisiblePeople.tv. It was maybe my second time out and my first time to Santa Monica that I first met John. What caught my eye was he had several ‘teddy bears’ attached to his cart. I recorded his story yet never posted it to the Internet. Over a year later I regret I cannot find the footage.

John seems like a very kind, gentle person. I do remember he was much happier when we first met. Life on the streets takes its toll on a person. Today John just says he is “so so”.

I know there are many variables in getting someone off the streets. I also know it is never easy. Yesterday I ran into so many people that continue to live without hope of a better life. There must be something we can do in a few years time to get people off the streets.

What do you think?

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I've been homeless myself in Santa Clara County after having fled a living situation that had become very dangerous for me. It is an extremely tough life to lead, and I am very glad that I am not homeless anymore. However, I am also very glad for all of the people at the local shelter and EHC Lifebuilder's One-Stop center who helped me make the transition from being in a dangerous homed situation to being homeless to getting my life straightened out.

Now, there is something I learned while living in the homeless shelters: Homelessness can affect just about anyone. Yes, there were lowlifes (a.k.a. drug addicts, thieves, & professional homeless people) who lived there. However, many homeless people that I met were educated people who had been hit very hard by this terrible economy.

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